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Saving Time, Saving Lives

Our helicopter

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) operates one helicopter, which has an operational area of around 30,000 square miles, serving a population of over 5 million.

SCAA’s twin-engine Eurocopter EC135-T2i is based at Perth Airport. From this base, our crew can reach patients across the country before rapidly transporting them to the most appropriate hospital, even if it isn't the closest option.

Our experienced pilots are granted the right, by the CAA, to land anywhere they deem safe whilst on a HEMS call. A safe landing requires a clear space of around 25m in daylight, which is the equivalent to a tennis court.

Our helicopter carries all the equipment you would find in a land ambulance plus some of the more advanced equipment you’d expect to find in a hospital.

Our helicopter carries all the equipment you would find in a land ambulance plus some of the more advanced equipment you’d expect to find in a hospital.

On board, you’ll find:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Bag for emergencies in dangerous or remote areas, including hard hat, high visibility clothing, over trousers and midge nets

Teddy bear deployed to our younger patients

Two oxygen cylinders

Thrombolysis Pack to help reduce blood clots

Bothy Bag, which contains a tent for emergencies in exposed areas/weather conditions or to offer privacy for during invasive procedures